Anti-violent games momemtum grows

One good way to look at the issue of kids' access to violent video games is the way Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich boiled it down in his state of the state address: "Buying these games should be up to parents - not kids." So far - because there aren't the age restrictions on sales of "Mature"-rated games that there are on retail sales to minors of alcohol, cigarettes, and sexually explicit magazines - the onus is still on kids. Part of the problem, of course, is that technology is involved - "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll" is much more familiar parenting turf than technology is for many parents, it seems. Anyway, the momentum toward violent-game regulation continues. California and Alabama have just joined the list of US state and municipal governments wrestling with this issue (see "More moves against violent games," 2/4). Leland Ye, father of four, child psychologist, and Speaker pro Tem of California's State Assembly is sponsoring legislation "aimed at curtailing the sales of ultra violent video games to children under 17," CommonSenseMedia.org reports (Speaker Ye had a guest editorial at CSM Friday). He cites some arresting stats: "Right now, according to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 70% of 13-to-16-year-olds are able to purchase M-rated video games, which are designed for adults. Ninety-two percent of children play video or computer games, of which about 40% are rated M (Mature)." For the latest on Alabama, see the Associated Press article in today's USATODAY.